Ford's accident avoidance technology detects obstacles in the road and, when needed, it will take control of the brakes and steering to avoid a potential crash.

While we all consider ourselves to be the best driver the world has ever seen, the simple fact is that humans are prone to making mistakes behind the wheel.

This is why Ford is developing concept cars that can automatically avoid obstacles in the road. The specially-equipped Ford Focus test vehicle can detect stopped or slowing vehicles, or pedestrians who happen to be in the same lane of travel.

Obstacles are spotted using radar, ultrasonic sensors, and a front-mounted camera. Once the system detects a slow or stationary object up ahead, the driver is issued a warning and a chime.

If the driver fails to react, Ford’s “Obstacle Avoidance” technology jumps to the rescue. The car will apply the brakes, scan for gaps in traffic, and take control of the electronic steering to guide the vehicle – and its occupants – to safety.

Ford says the system has been tested at speeds up to 38 mph.

Another feature under development is one that takes control of a car when it’s traveling at little more than a walking pace. Soon your Ford will be able to find a parking spot, whether or not you’re behind the wheel.

While self-parking systems have been around for a few years now, they still require someone to be in the driver’s seat. Ford’s self-parking development car has simplified things to the point of simply pushing a button, and allowing the car to locate and steer its way into a spot.

Even if you love to drive, let's face it, there isn't much joy to be had when hunting for parking. With the push of a button, Ford's test vehicle will locate a spot and park itself.

(Ford)

By Ford’s estimations, this system is much more efficient than humans, since it routinely and reliably uses only 20-percent more space than the overall length of the vehicle. It can also avoid door dings in crowded lots, since no one needs to enter or exit the vehicle once it's in a spot.

Ford doesn’t think much of how other people park their cars, apparently.

In theory, this would help to free up extra parking in congested areas, since more vehicles would be able to fit onto a street, or in a crowded parking garage.

This self-parking system uses many off-the-shelf features used on today’s Ford lineup, which means it could be offered on production models in the near future.

“The key is that we already have the technologies that put us in a position where we could one day make fully automated parking a reality for Ford customers,” said Paul Mascarenas, chief technical officer and vice president Ford Research and Innovation.